IAFC Again Supports Hurricane Response

CHANTILLY, Va. - The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) in partnership with the National Alliance for Public Safety GIS Foundation and Esri and are providing access to the IAFC’s  Search & Rescue Data Collector Tool. This tool was first used in 2017 in Hurricanes Harvey and Irma and then again in 2018 in Hurricanes Florence and Michael. The tool is an ESRI Survey123 based application that allows first responders to capture real time their efforts and work in the field and in seconds transfer that data to decision makers back in Command Centers for real time decisions. The IAFC and its partners are supporting the States of Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, North Carolina and Virginia.

Through the collaboration of the IAFC with FEMA, responders and decision makers are able to share data in one location on what Local, State and Federal partners are doing in one location. The life-saving information allows resources to be seen on a real-time mapping dashboard that allows for instant identification of where rescues are occurring, or damaged infrastructure is to send resources. This technology which is provided by ESRI and the technical and oversight of NAPSG allow the IAFC to share this tool with First Responders across the nation when needed. 

“This technology and suite of tools empowers emergency responders to document individual searches, photographic, geo-coded information on victim contact and any other information that needs to be captured,” said Chief Gary Ludwig, IAFC president and chairman of the board. “We are pleased to continue our work with our partners to bring important life-saving information to the fingertips of emergency responders when they need it most.”

CONTACT: Jim Philipps, 703-537-4829